Gaskell blow for Sharks

Sale Sharks have been dealt an injury blow with the loss of their captain James Gaskell for at least two months.

Second-row forward Gaskell, 20, became the youngest captain in Aviva Premiership history when he was appointed to the role by Sale head coach Mike Brewer ahead of the current campaign.

But an ankle ligament injury suffered during training this week means he is likely to be sidelined until December, ruling him out of several Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup games.

Hooker Marc Jones will lead the Sharks in Friday's Challenge Cup opener against Spanish side Cetransa El Salvador at Edgeley Park.